Their Hearts Were Fertile Soil

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. - 2 Timothy 1:5

When the Apostles Paul and Barnabas first visited the cities of Lycaonia, among those who believed in Christ was the future Saint Timothy’s mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. Although the verse above is the only time these women are mentioned by name, we know from Acts 16 that Timothy’s “mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek.” Because of this many commentators have also connected Eunice to 2 Timothy 3:15, where Timothy is reminded, "from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings”.

Based on these passages, what little we know about Lois and Eunice is that they loved, studied, and likely prayed the holy scriptures. They were awaiting the coming of a Messiah, their hearts fertile soil for the sowing of the seed when Paul arrived to share the Good News. They taught their children and grandchildren to love God, to await his coming, and when He came they were eager to receive Him.

Several years ago we started an “Orthodox Influencer” series, where those in ministry (often bishops or priests) share about someone who greatly influenced them on their spiritual journey. We cannot tell you the number of times we have asked someone to name their greatest spiritual influence, and heard “my mother” or “my grandmother.” There are also many saints in our traditions who became the mother of saints, such as St. Monica, St. Emmelia, St. Nonna, and St. Anthousa, as well as grandmothers such as St. Macrina the Elder. 

St. Lois and Eunice accompany us as women who nurtured a household of love and hunger for God, and who supported their children and grandchildren to follow the way of Christ, even when that meant watching them go through painful suffering. Whether we are a mother or a godmother, an aunt or a mentor, we all have a deeply significant role in the spiritual lives of those God has placed into our paths. 

Learn more about Heather’s icon of Women of the New Testament, and how you can get your copy (and support Axia’s work) here!